Turtle Rescued After Becoming Entangled in Ropes Off Lanzarote: A Reminder to Protect Our Marine Life
A sea turtle has been safely rescued after becoming badly entangled in ropes off the coast of Arrieta in north Lanzarote, highlighting the continuing threat that discarded marine waste poses to the island’s wildlife.
According to reports, a group of young people travelling by small boat spotted the turtle floating helplessly in the water. Thick ropes had become tightly wrapped around its body, preventing it from swimming properly. The group carefully brought the turtle aboard their boat, cut away the ropes, and released it back into the sea.
A Growing Problem Around Lanzarote
While this rescue had a positive outcome, it serves as another reminder that plastic pollution, discarded fishing gear, ropes and nets continue to threaten marine life around the Canary Islands.
Sea turtles are regular visitors to the waters surrounding Lanzarote. Several species, particularly the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), migrate through the archipelago each year. Unfortunately, many suffer injuries after becoming caught in abandoned fishing equipment or by swallowing plastic waste mistaken for food.
Marine debris can cause:
- Severe cuts and wounds.
- Restricted blood circulation.
- Difficulty swimming or diving.
- Starvation if the turtle cannot feed.
- Internal injuries if fishing hooks or lines have been swallowed.
What Should You Do If You Find an Entangled Turtle?
Although the people involved in this incident managed to help successfully, environmental authorities stress that members of the public should not normally attempt to free an entangled turtle themselves.
Removing ropes or fishing line incorrectly can sometimes make injuries worse. If circulation has been restricted for some time, sudden removal may cause serious medical complications. Likewise, pulling on fishing hooks or lines that have been swallowed can lead to life-threatening internal injuries.
Instead, officials advise anyone who discovers an injured or trapped turtle to:
- Call 112 immediately.
- If possible, contact Lanzarote’s wildlife rescue service on 696 733 177.
- Give the exact location and describe the animal’s condition.
- Keep the turtle shaded if it is safely out of the water.
- Place a damp towel over the shell without covering the eyes or nostrils.
- Do not feed the turtle or give it water while waiting for trained professionals.
Protecting Lanzarote’s Marine Environment
Lanzarote is famous for its crystal-clear waters, rich marine biodiversity and excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities. Keeping these waters clean benefits not only wildlife but also the thousands of residents and tourists who enjoy the island’s coastline every year.
Simple actions can make a significant difference:
- Never leave fishing line, rope or rubbish on beaches or in the sea.
- Dispose of waste responsibly.
- Report injured marine animals to the emergency services.
- Join local beach clean-up initiatives whenever possible.
Every piece of litter removed from the coastline reduces the risk to turtles, dolphins, seabirds and countless other marine species.
A Positive Ending
Thankfully, this turtle’s story ended well thanks to the quick thinking of those who spotted it. However, the incident is another reminder that preventing marine pollution is far easier than rescuing wildlife once it becomes trapped.
By looking after Lanzarote’s coastline and reporting injured animals to the proper authorities, both residents and visitors can help ensure the island remains one of the Canary Islands’ most important havens for marine life.
